Navigating Workplace Conflicts: Common Leadership Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them

One of the standout sessions at the ADRIO2024 ADRIO - ADR Institute of Ontario conference was Penny Tremblay 's presentation on the five biggest mistakes leaders make when workplace conflict surfaces. This session resonated deeply with me, and I’d like to share some key takeaways and how they align with my conflict resolution and leadership training approach.

1. Avoidance: The Root of Escalation One of the most common mistakes is avoiding the conflict altogether. Many managers wish they had addressed issues sooner. Avoidance can lead to the conflict festering and growing, making it more challenging to resolve later. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of addressing conflicts early. We can reduce stress and prevent the situation from escalating by tackling issues head-on.

2. Lack of Inclusive Communication Not involving everyone in the conversation is another significant mistake. Effective conflict resolution requires that all parties are heard and understood. Penny’s point that “you can’t do someone’s listening or understanding for them any better than you can do their push-ups” is a powerful reminder. In my workplace restoration practice, I often teach teams the skills to approach difficult conversations and ensure that everyone’s voice is included.

3. Undermining Authority Maintaining the organization's reporting structure is crucial. When conflicts arise, it’s essential not to undermine a direct supervisor’s authority. This can destabilize the organizational hierarchy and lead to further issues. My approach consistently reinforces the proper channels and supports leaders in their roles, ensuring that conflicts are managed without compromising authority.

4. Temporary Fixes: Accommodating Division Penny highlighted the danger of quick fixes, such as accommodating divisions within the team. These band-aid solutions might seem effective initially but often fail to address the underlying issues. Penny states, ‘It’s like building on quicksand; the foundation is unstable.’ In my workplace assessment and restoration practice, I advocate for uncovering and addressing the root causes of conflict to ensure long-term harmony and productivity.

5. Emotional Entanglement When leaders become emotionally involved with their subordinates, it can lead to perceptions of favouritism and bias. It’s vital to maintain professional boundaries while still showing empathy. Coaching leaders to manage their emotions and foster a safe space for conflict resolution is a fundamental cornerstone. Encouraging vulnerability and owning each perspective helps equalize the dynamics and build trust.

Creating a Safe Space for Authentic Conversations During Penny’s presentation, she highlighted that “Conflict often sounds like combat” and “Many find texting easier than face-to-face conversations”. However, respectful and direct communication is essential for resolving conflicts effectively. Teaching teams to engage in authentic conversations is deeper than a quick training session; it requires a commitment to ongoing learning and confidentiality.

Conclusion Penny Tremblay’s session at ADRIO2024 provided invaluable insights into the common mistakes leaders make during conflicts and how to avoid them. These lessons reinforce the importance of early intervention, inclusive communication, maintaining authority, seeking sustainable solutions, and managing emotional boundaries. If you’re looking to enhance your conflict resolution strategies and leadership skills, feel free to reach out!

Acknowledgments This article is based on insights from Penny Tremblay during her session titled "5 Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make When Conflict Surfaces and How to Avoid Them" at the ADRIO2024 conference. For more information on Penny Tremblay’s work, please visit Penny Tremblay.

Check out Penny’s new book!

“Sandbox Strategies for the New Workplace: Conflict Resolution From the Inside Out”

w. www.pennytremblay.com

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Invest in conflict resolution and mediation training today and unlock the potential of your team. Contact us now to learn more about our assessments and training programs and take the first step toward fostering a positive and productive work environment.

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Greetings, I'm Stephanie Noel, and I'm dedicated to guiding organizations in cultivating environments built on purpose, respect, and collaboration. With my expertise, organizations can enhance employee engagement, gain profound insights into workplace dynamics, and nurture a culture of empowerment and development.

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Reach out via email: [email protected]

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